Manchester United have missed out on some high profile signings over the years.
Indeed, United could’ve signed Gareth Bale and Cesc Fabregas under David Moyes, while Aaron Ramsey almost joined Manchester United at one point.
Kieran Trippier almost signed for United too at one point, but years before Trippier’s failed move, the Red Devils almost signed another Newcastle icon.
Indeed, back in the 1990s, Alan Shearer was set to leave Blackburn Rovers, and, at the time, both Newcastle United and Manchester United were keen on him.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Alan Shearer has been discussing his move to Newcastle, and he recalled a secret meeting he had with Alex Ferguson.
What Alex Ferguson said to Alan Shearer
Shearer spoke about his meeting with Alex Ferguson and what the legendary manager said to him when they met.
Fergie didn’t beat around the bush, and he immediately asked if Shearer had spoken to Kevin Keegan – the Newcastle manager, before their meeting.
Shearer confirmed that he had spoken to Keegan, and Ferguson was immediately resigned to not getting the deal done.
“I got a call from Manchester United, but this time they did get back to me and I did have a meeting with Sir Alex. It was really strange, because I met Kevin Keegan and Sir Alex on the same day in the same house,” Shearer said.
“I always remember Sir Alex coming into me, and we wanted it all done in secret, I remember Sir Alex coming in and his first words to me were ‘am I seeing you first or are you seeing Kevin first?’ I said I’d seen Kevin, and he said, excuse my language ‘that’s me f—- then.’ Those were his first words to me”
Alan Shearer record vs Manchester United
Alan Shearer snubbed Manchester United to sign for Newcastle back in 1996, but, in some ways, you could argue this was the wrong decision.
Indeed, while Shearer became a legend at his boyhood club and he now has a statue outside of St James’ Park, he didn’t have the career he perhaps could have at United.
Shearer didn’t win a single trophy with Newcastle, while United would go on to sweep every single piece of silverware possible in the coming years.
Shearer did have a decent goalscoring record against United, but he only ever beat the Red Devils five times in his career.
| Alan Shearer record vs Manchester United | |
|---|---|
| Games | 38 |
| Wins | 5 |
| Draws | 9 |
| Losses | 24 |
| Goals | 14 |
Newcastle famously beat United 5-0 in Shearer’s first game against the Red Devils for the Magpies, but, aside from that, victories were few and far between for Newcastle against Alex Ferguson’s side.
Shearer did become a legend in his own way, but he could’ve been one of the most decorated players in Premier League history if he’d joined United.
